Hi everybody,
I am exactly 36 hours away from getting 4 teeth extracted. Exactly one week after that my braces are scheduled to go on... for 2 years.
I feel like the most prepared person in the world for this. I have researched braces and extractions thoroughly and read through countless posts on this website for a solid month. I had three in depth consultations. I prepared a 7-page list of questions to ask each orthodontist. One of them joked that writing her dissertation was easier than some of the questions that I asked. I scheduled time off work, set up my payment plan, bought every braces accessory imaginable, bought new bathroom furniture to house said accessories, cooked and froze about a half a dozen soft food meals to get me through the first few weeks and downloaded a bunch of movies to watch while I’m recovering from the extractions.
I’ve been worried and scared all month but not to the point where I was freaking out. Now with less than 2 days to go I can’t bring myself to withdraw the money for the extractions! It just occurred to me that I may have been holding the thought in the back of my mind that something would happen and I wouldn't actually go through with it.
I’m worried about the extractions, living with holes in my mouth, the PAIN, spending the money I had saved to buy a house, how slowly 2 years will go by, having to wear 24 hour retainers for a year afterwards then part time retainers for the rest of my life, taking time off work to see the ortho, probable changes to my profile, interviewing for new jobs with braces on and staying single for 2 more years because I wouldn’t feel comfortable in a new relationship with braces. Plus all the other stuff that will pop into my head as I am lying in bed tonight. LOL!
I know the drill about thinking how great my teeth will look when it’s all over and how it will be totally worth it but at the end of the day I’m not sure that’s enough for me. Getting braces and teeth pulled is a total hassle. I’m afraid that I will go through with it and quit after 6 months because I just can’t take it anymore.
This week is the only time that the ortho and dentist could fit me in this month. My job is very stressful year round and the summer is the only time that I can fit something like this in. I would hate to make a snap decision because I’m backed into a wall over scheduling but I can’t see myself waiting another whole year for this. It’s now or never for me.
I guess my question is… is it a good idea to go through with this even if I’m not 100% sure?
I'm sorry for all the negativity. I just needed to get it out there. I appreciate your help and advice!
I'm thinking of backing out...
Moderator: bbsadmin
aw...I wish I could say the magic words to heal your doubt. But I don't know what the words would be.
Sounds like you are definitely prepared in so many ways. You are beautiful and I don't possibly believe you would start this process and quit after 6 months.
I hope someone with experience and knowledge will respond to your post very soon!
Best to you....I get my braces tomorrow and 6 teeth extracted later. I can't help because I have my fears too.
You have spent a lot of time and research on this, I hope you continue through and never regret it!
Someone help this gal out!
Sounds like you are definitely prepared in so many ways. You are beautiful and I don't possibly believe you would start this process and quit after 6 months.
I hope someone with experience and knowledge will respond to your post very soon!
Best to you....I get my braces tomorrow and 6 teeth extracted later. I can't help because I have my fears too.
You have spent a lot of time and research on this, I hope you continue through and never regret it!
Someone help this gal out!
Do it.
You will not regret it.
2 years flies by. What flies by even faster is 20 years. If you put it off now, you'll be back in 20 years or so wondering why in the world you didn't do it when you had planned to. That plus broken or even more problematic teeth.
Leap in without hestition. It's very very scary taking the plunge. Took me 2 years, 20 years later just to take the plunge. Once they're on, you'll be astounded at how unbelieveably scared you were for absolutely nothing. It's a joke.
Do it now while you are mentally prepared. Guaranteed even if you put it off for a year, you'll get distracted and then many more years will whiz by.
JUMP IN
You will not regret it.
2 years flies by. What flies by even faster is 20 years. If you put it off now, you'll be back in 20 years or so wondering why in the world you didn't do it when you had planned to. That plus broken or even more problematic teeth.
Leap in without hestition. It's very very scary taking the plunge. Took me 2 years, 20 years later just to take the plunge. Once they're on, you'll be astounded at how unbelieveably scared you were for absolutely nothing. It's a joke.
Do it now while you are mentally prepared. Guaranteed even if you put it off for a year, you'll get distracted and then many more years will whiz by.
JUMP IN
...
I think alot of people question things beforehand, I know I did. And, to be honest I was also very scared. On top of everything, I have a tendency of passing out in medical offices, I'm so weak about these things. I've even blacked out at the regular dentist. I should have gotten braces 20 years ago.
But, I decided to go for it anyway. I was amazed at how smooth the whole process was - no where near as bad as I had envisioned. It took me a few days to adjust and things have gotten better and better ever since. It's been over 1-1/2 years for me and it has flown by. My ortho said that at my next appointment we'll talk about a removal schedule. I honestly thought, you know I don't mind having my braces on at all. If he told me I had to keep them another year, I'd be perfectly fine with it.
Sure there's some discomfort at times - of course there is, your teeth and bite are moving around and settling in the bone. It just takes time to adjust.
I have never and will never regret getting braces. My confidence, and my smile have grown tremendously since I got them.
I had to have a extraction before as well. The gum line grows up with time, no holes. I had the same concern beforehand. No worries, this will all allow your bite to line up just right.
Let us know how you make out.
But, I decided to go for it anyway. I was amazed at how smooth the whole process was - no where near as bad as I had envisioned. It took me a few days to adjust and things have gotten better and better ever since. It's been over 1-1/2 years for me and it has flown by. My ortho said that at my next appointment we'll talk about a removal schedule. I honestly thought, you know I don't mind having my braces on at all. If he told me I had to keep them another year, I'd be perfectly fine with it.
Sure there's some discomfort at times - of course there is, your teeth and bite are moving around and settling in the bone. It just takes time to adjust.
I have never and will never regret getting braces. My confidence, and my smile have grown tremendously since I got them.
I had to have a extraction before as well. The gum line grows up with time, no holes. I had the same concern beforehand. No worries, this will all allow your bite to line up just right.
Let us know how you make out.
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TumbleDryLow
- Posts: 999
- Joined: Thu Nov 15, 2007 12:19 pm
- Location: Michigan
When I took the plunge at 34 I was absolutely certain it would suck. That the extractions would suck. Having holes in my mouth would suck. Being in pain would suck. Going to adjustments would suck.
Guess what? I was very wrong. I freaked myself out for nothing.
You will always be able to find excuses why you should not do this. There will never ever be the perfect time to have braces for two years. There will never ever be the perfect time to wear a retainer for a year. As for socializing/interviewing with braces, I know it seems like your social life will be over the minute you get them on and that you will be in a holding pattern until they come off. I thought so too and was very wrong on this account as well. You will get over being self conscious very quickly---really!
DO IT!! You've come this far. Don't back out now. If you back out now, in 10 years ,when you finally do take the plunge, you will be kicking yourself that you didn't do it sooner. (I know I am.)
Guess what? I was very wrong. I freaked myself out for nothing.
You will always be able to find excuses why you should not do this. There will never ever be the perfect time to have braces for two years. There will never ever be the perfect time to wear a retainer for a year. As for socializing/interviewing with braces, I know it seems like your social life will be over the minute you get them on and that you will be in a holding pattern until they come off. I thought so too and was very wrong on this account as well. You will get over being self conscious very quickly---really!
DO IT!! You've come this far. Don't back out now. If you back out now, in 10 years ,when you finally do take the plunge, you will be kicking yourself that you didn't do it sooner. (I know I am.)
Just Do It!!!
If you don't do anything now, your teeth will get worse and will take longer to sort out later. You can prevent many possible dental health issues by fixing bite and straightening teeth.
Any potential romantic interest who is so shallow to be put off by your braces is not worth your time anyway.
With regard to work, dating, etc., if you project a confident image, others won't care about your braces. You should be confident because you are doing something good for yourself and you have done your homework to be prepared!
Any potential romantic interest who is so shallow to be put off by your braces is not worth your time anyway.
With regard to work, dating, etc., if you project a confident image, others won't care about your braces. You should be confident because you are doing something good for yourself and you have done your homework to be prepared!
Braced for 2 years, 11 months, 2 weeks and 5 days (the 2nd time ‘round)
Hawley on top, Essix on bottom
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bracedat44
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Wed Jul 30, 2008 6:42 pm
- Contact:
I too needed 4 extractions, it's not that bad really (I didn't even miss a day of work). I am a year into it and you will not want to quit after 6 months trust me, by then you will be used to the braces and will start to see some progress.
I got mine at 44 and I wish I had done it a long time ago. Please do this for yourself you won't regret it.
I got mine at 44 and I wish I had done it a long time ago. Please do this for yourself you won't regret it.
click www for my story
keeping the teeth
I know this might sound like a dumb question but have you asked your ortho to attempt braces without pulling my first? I had a few concerns in that area.
I dont know your ins and outs. I have severe crowding and so far so good...will know once my lowers go on here in a week. that is where my worst crowding is.
I hope this helps. try to see if you can go that route if you are able to.
I dont know your ins and outs. I have severe crowding and so far so good...will know once my lowers go on here in a week. that is where my worst crowding is.
I hope this helps. try to see if you can go that route if you are able to.
I thought the same thing before i got mine on, but its been the best decision i've ever made. i didn't have to get extractions but there was a possibility of jaw surgury but thanks to this werid spring thing i have i dont need it now. This is my second time in braces. I got them when i was 15 and got them taken off two days later- i've regreted it ever since. Having to go through it now at 22 (21 when i got them on) sucks especially paying for everything myself but its one bill i dont mind paying every month because after 14 months i actually smile all the time now. Plus because of the changes i actually have self confidence now and have no problem with guys. As long as people aren't jerks they wont care. I get hit on now and yeah my teeth are 10 times better but its also the confidence they gave me. I still have about 6 months to go and i think i'll actually miss them when they come off- never thought i'd say that!
Since Oharabrat raised the question about extractions, I thought I would follow up and ask more. You said you had 3 consults. Did you feel there was consensus among the orthos in the need for extractions if you are have having traditional braces?
As you seem like someone who has researched extremely thoroughly, I would assume you must feel sure you need extractions based what you learned at your consults.
Some people definitely need extractions, some don't, a few are borderline. If I were told I were borderline, I would ask if they can hold off on the extractions and see how the teeth move if there might be enough room. I would also ask about IPR (interproximal reduction or tooth trimming or shaving) as an alternative to extractions. Either of these approaches might prolong treatment compared to the initial extraction route if you end up needing them anyway. However I think a smile is usually more attractive with both sets of bicuspids if they can be made to fit.
In my case I was told I would be needing IPR on my bottoms to get them to fit (extractions were never discussed) BUT I have yet to have any IPR done and it may be that it will not be needed at all.
Best Wishes with your braces journey!
As you seem like someone who has researched extremely thoroughly, I would assume you must feel sure you need extractions based what you learned at your consults.
Some people definitely need extractions, some don't, a few are borderline. If I were told I were borderline, I would ask if they can hold off on the extractions and see how the teeth move if there might be enough room. I would also ask about IPR (interproximal reduction or tooth trimming or shaving) as an alternative to extractions. Either of these approaches might prolong treatment compared to the initial extraction route if you end up needing them anyway. However I think a smile is usually more attractive with both sets of bicuspids if they can be made to fit.
In my case I was told I would be needing IPR on my bottoms to get them to fit (extractions were never discussed) BUT I have yet to have any IPR done and it may be that it will not be needed at all.
Best Wishes with your braces journey!
Braced for 2 years, 11 months, 2 weeks and 5 days (the 2nd time ‘round)
Hawley on top, Essix on bottom
Check your private message box.
YOU can do this!
I didn't think anyone could be as worried/stressed/anxious as me...but I guess I was wrong. hehe
It WILL be worth it. If I could do it...you can. I'm on day two and I ate McDonalds today just fine...just smaller bites but I ate an entire hamburger and small fries.
I haven't had to face anyone I really know yet to get their initial reactions. I ran into the shower when my sister came over to pick up her dog last night. I know that it will take some time to adjust but I'm also sure that I'll get more confident. I discovered something today - when I put my face up really close to a mirror...they don't look so big.
Yes, it will take some time to get used to but I remind myself that I'm healthy, I'm alive and life is pretty good.
YOU can do this!
I didn't think anyone could be as worried/stressed/anxious as me...but I guess I was wrong. hehe
It WILL be worth it. If I could do it...you can. I'm on day two and I ate McDonalds today just fine...just smaller bites but I ate an entire hamburger and small fries.
I haven't had to face anyone I really know yet to get their initial reactions. I ran into the shower when my sister came over to pick up her dog last night. I know that it will take some time to adjust but I'm also sure that I'll get more confident. I discovered something today - when I put my face up really close to a mirror...they don't look so big.
Yes, it will take some time to get used to but I remind myself that I'm healthy, I'm alive and life is pretty good.
Braces (uppers & lowers) on: 8/3/09
Sentence: 2 years
Lori dear,
I could understand where you are coming from. But being an Aries, I didn't do half of the preparation you have done. The only thing I have done is, like you, read alot from this forum, research on orthodontics and price list, and bang, I was on!
The thought of getting braces started a year ago, but I have also shared the same worries: the large sum of money spent, the ugly period of having braces and being single ( I'm single,I also felt I wouldn't feel comfortable dating for the 1.5 years and will be single for that period, and I still am!) etc.
I schedule to put on braces about 5 months back, but circumstance changed and I chicken out a little. But finally, like I always do when I'm swaying in making a decision, I told myself : Screw it, just do it!
Sometimes, its our own thought that kill us, by thinking and preparing too much! I'm the same! Till I get frustrated with my own thought, I just stop thinking, and dive right into it. After all, I have done all the preparation! And much more for your case my dear!
You are so beautiful my dear , I'm sure u ll be even more stunning with your pretty smile and teeth
To be honest, my braces been in for a month, its been ok. Pain to me is totally tolerable. The week after I got my braces, I wanted to call in my ortho and told him to get that ugly braces out of me and was very depressed about the way I look. It tooks me about 3 weeks to get used to it. Eventually you will too
So stop thinking, say this to yourself : Screw it, just do it. After all you have come this far!
I could understand where you are coming from. But being an Aries, I didn't do half of the preparation you have done. The only thing I have done is, like you, read alot from this forum, research on orthodontics and price list, and bang, I was on!
The thought of getting braces started a year ago, but I have also shared the same worries: the large sum of money spent, the ugly period of having braces and being single ( I'm single,I also felt I wouldn't feel comfortable dating for the 1.5 years and will be single for that period, and I still am!) etc.
I schedule to put on braces about 5 months back, but circumstance changed and I chicken out a little. But finally, like I always do when I'm swaying in making a decision, I told myself : Screw it, just do it!
Sometimes, its our own thought that kill us, by thinking and preparing too much! I'm the same! Till I get frustrated with my own thought, I just stop thinking, and dive right into it. After all, I have done all the preparation! And much more for your case my dear!
You are so beautiful my dear , I'm sure u ll be even more stunning with your pretty smile and teeth
To be honest, my braces been in for a month, its been ok. Pain to me is totally tolerable. The week after I got my braces, I wanted to call in my ortho and told him to get that ugly braces out of me and was very depressed about the way I look. It tooks me about 3 weeks to get used to it. Eventually you will too
So stop thinking, say this to yourself : Screw it, just do it. After all you have come this far!
Well… I did it! All four teeth are gone and I’m still alive. LOL. Thank you to everyone for your advice and support!
I studied the before pics of my teeth intensely and asked myself can I live with these teeth for the rest of my life or braces for 2 years? Vanity won…
The extractions themselves and immediate recovery was much worse than I anticipated. I won’t go into details because I don’t want to discourage anyone from going through with it. There were unforeseen circumstances that made the process more difficult than it had to be, but I don’t regret it. I took Motrin around the clock and had absolutely no pain afterwards. My primary issue was and still is bleeding (complications) but I am doing so much better than yesterday. The gaps look worse today than they did yesterday but I’m not as concerned about them as I thought I’d be. I haven’t left the house yet so we’ll see how that goes.
Oharabrat: Not a dumb question at all. This was considered but after measurements and panoramic xrays were taken it was determined that there is just not enough room. IPR can only do so much and my mouth is just too small. I have severe lower crowding, too.
Starzz: The orthos gave me different diagnoses but all recommended the same treatment plan. I discovered the difference in diagnosis had to do with how thoroughly they examined me. I went with the first ortho because his was the most accurate.
SeaNile: Sent you a PM
I studied the before pics of my teeth intensely and asked myself can I live with these teeth for the rest of my life or braces for 2 years? Vanity won…
The extractions themselves and immediate recovery was much worse than I anticipated. I won’t go into details because I don’t want to discourage anyone from going through with it. There were unforeseen circumstances that made the process more difficult than it had to be, but I don’t regret it. I took Motrin around the clock and had absolutely no pain afterwards.
My primary issue was and still is bleeding (complications) but I am doing so much better than yesterday. The gaps look worse today than they did yesterday but I’m not as concerned about them as I thought I’d be. I haven’t left the house yet so we’ll see how that goes. Oharabrat: Not a dumb question at all. This was considered but after measurements and panoramic xrays were taken it was determined that there is just not enough room. IPR can only do so much and my mouth is just too small. I have severe lower crowding, too.
Starzz: The orthos gave me different diagnoses but all recommended the same treatment plan. I discovered the difference in diagnosis had to do with how thoroughly they examined me. I went with the first ortho because his was the most accurate.
SeaNile: Sent you a PM
